The “Run for the Roses” is right around the corner! And, the race is on to get those last-minute Kentucky Derby tickets!

BBB is warning those of you who want to attend the Kentucky Derby to beware of scam artists trying to fool you into buying fake Derby tickets!

“A ticket to the Kentucky Derby is a hot ticket item,” says Charlie Mattingly, President/CEO, of the Better Business Bureau serving Louisville, Southern Indiana, and Western Kentucky. “If you're looking to buy a ticket to get into Churchill Downs on May 3rd, make sure you don't get taken for a ride.” To protect yourself against ticket fraud, Mattingly suggests, “The best way to avoid getting scammed is to deal directly with someone in person. If possible, have the seller provide proof that he/she paid for the seats and where they are in Churchill Downs.” Mattingly also suggests, “To try to use a credit card because if something goes wrong, you can always contest the charge.”

While there are legitimate posts, Derby ticket scams often pop up on Craigslist and online auction sites. Scam artists ask ticket seekers to send money through Western Union. But after you send off the cash, you never get the tickets…and your money is GONE.

Here are some red flags for Craigslist scams:

· Buyer is not local

· Misspellings and grammar errors in the response

· Person offering that Craigslist guarantees a transaction

· Use of Western Union for the transaction

· Seller offers use of an online escrow service

And, if you are purchasing from a third party website, be sure to check out the company’s BBB Business Review first at www.bbb.org or call 1-800-388-2222.